It is with great pleasure that I introduce Mikey Pedroza. Mikey has been swing dancing since he was 13 years old, masquerading as a student by day and transforming into a swing dancer by night. In his career as a Lindy Hopper and teacher, he brings an unmistakable passion for dance that can’t be missed. He is also dedicated to dancing, teaching and preserving the classic American jazz dances, including Balboa, blues, Charleston, and solo jazz, and has performed and competed internationally. For more information about Mikey check out his website and don’t forget to take his class on Saturday!
1. Tell me a little about yourself as a dancer and teacher.
Well I stared dancing when I was 12 years old and never stopped since. I fell in love with the dance and its purely American history.
When I dance, I want to make people feel something. What ever it may be I want them to know I go out there with purpose. Not just doing moves and then stringing them together. But really dancing with another person in my arms and moving in sync to music that has lasted long then I have been on Earth. As a teacher I want to make people understand this and show that its alright to let all your feelings and emotions out on the floor. The ability to be able to use and control your body and emotions will make you a better dancer and a better person.
2. What inspired you get involved with the 24 Hour Dance-a-thon?
Honestly I love to live my life to the fullest and dance. So I’d jump at any chance to spread my love for both. And what a great concept to help an organization that fights so hard to help people get rid of this horrible diseases and help people live their life to the fullest! Plus my good friends organize the event and I always try to support them as much as I can.
3. What class will you be teaching during the Dance-a-thon?
I’ll be teaching 2 classes this year. One class with my called NEW IDEAS with my partner Nikki Marvin. And another called WAKE UP WITH MIKEY at 6:00 AM on Sunday morning! Every year I take the 6AM slot to help wake people up and get them energized and ready to go on for another 6 hours. I usually teach some kind of solo jazz routine. So I mostly run around and yell and get in peoples faces and rev them up for the home stretch.
4. What is your favorite dance move?
My favorite would have to be the one and only swing out! It is the quintessential Lindy Hop move. It in encompasses every aspect of the dance. The speed, the momentum, the stretch, the footwork, and the fun! I mean, really, it is the basic for the dance and its the hardest move to learn. For many of us dancers it is the move that we will keep working and fine tuning all the time. So for me, the swing out is my favorite move.
5. What is your strategy for staying awake during the 24 hours?
Coffee, Rockstar Juiced (Mango-Guava), and an endless amount of good friends to dance with!
6. What is the one dance tip that you think every dancer needs to know?
I know it says “one dance tip” but I have two: 1) Nothing is right or wrong; it’s what feels good and what doesn’t feel so good; 2) Always remember who you are and then add it to the dance, never lose who you are.
Mikey, is the Current World Swing Dance Champion for Lindy Hop! He’s also the current International lindy hop jack and jill champ. He would never tell you himself…he’s shy… till he has a beer.